While I was writing my first novel, there was one playlist of five songs that I'd turn to for inspiration when my well of words ran dry. Listening to it the other day, I realized that the tone of this playlist was rather melancholy and longing. As I prepare to write my next novel, a Young Adult novel, I feel the need for something new--a playlist that reflects my current reality.

So far my new playlist has three songs, and I invite you to steep in their empowering lyrics:

You can be amazingYou can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drugYou can be the outcastOr be the backlash of somebody's lack of loveOr you can start speaking upNothing's gonna hurt you the way that words doWhen they settle 'neath your skinKept on the inside and no sunlightSometimes a shadow winsBut I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna sayAnd let the words fall outHonestly I wanna see you be braveSay what you wanna sayAnd let the words fall outHonestly I wanna see you be brave

Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah,Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back, yeah,Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine, yeah,No offense to you, don't waste your timeHere's why

Because I'm happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roofBecause I'm happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truthBecause I'm happyClap along if you know what happiness is to youBecause I'm happyClap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do